Rwanda: Ubuntu Soul Session to celebrate diaspora

Afrogroov founder Eric Kirenga told Music In Africa that the event would celebrate sounds from the diaspora with a line-up of local, regional and international musicians, DJs and poets.

“Ubuntu Soul Session is a nomadic platform bringing various types of black expression under one roof,” he said. “When it was incepted in London 10 years ago, it had an impact on the cultural scene and shifted the acceptance of African music and creative expression to new audiences.

"We are now implementing it in Rwanda as the audience is progressively opening up to deeper cultural non-mainstream music and experiences.”

Kirenga said the globalisation of African music had created the need for platforms where creatives, including young artists, could showcase their art in the same space.

“For this edition Afrogroov has partnered with Spoken Word Rwanda, a platform for amateurs and international storytellers, which is dedicated to the promotion and exposure of both upcoming and established local talents,” he said.

Artists set to take to the stage on Friday are DJ Huilly Huile (Rwanda/Canada), Shavu & Wu (Rwanda/Germany), DJ Coco EM (Kenya), Selektah K'ru (Rwanda) and Nganji Arnaud (Rwanda).

Shavu, who launched the In Our Art album in Rwanda on 31 August, said her performance would explore her Rwandese and German roots as well as the history of black people.

“Diaspora sounds means different vibes across borders, it means home and (re)defining home," she said. “It’s a diversity that connects the motherland to her people all over the world. With my music I am bringing a unique mix of neo-soul, R&B, reggae and spoken word to the table.”

Wu said: “Musically speaking I will bring different genres and thoughtful as well as clubby lyrics recorded on complex instrumentals to the Kigali audience. I can make people smile, think and dance through this diversity of styles.”